A lot of people wear glasses, and if you're one of them you might be thinking about making the switch to contact lenses. There are some benefits to doing that you might want to consider. You should also know about any risks or downsides, so you can make an informed decision about your eye health. If you're in the Yakima, WA, area, reach out to our eye doctors at Apple Valley Eye Center, so you can work with an optometrist to get information about contact lenses.
Are Contact Lenses Right for Everyone?
Contacts aren't right for everyone, but they can have benefits for many people. For example, if you have specific types of eye conditions that affect the curvature of your eye, standard lenses may not fit you properly. Most people don't have these conditions, so they can wear either soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses that are comfortable. If you play sports, or have a job where glasses are inconvenient, contact lenses can be the right choice for your needs.
Can Most People Wear Contact Lenses?
Many people can wear standard contacts. If you have eye curvature issues or the surface of your cornea is uneven, there can still be options for scleral contacts and other types that are slightly larger. These don't sit on the cornea like standard lenses do, so they can be used by people who wouldn't be good candidates for more typical lenses. There are also lenses worn only at night, to reshape your cornea and provide better vision during the daytime.
What Kind of Risks Come with Contacts?
Like any medical device there are some risks to contact lenses. When used and cared for correctly, though, contacts can be very safe. The main risk is infection if the lenses aren't kept clean. Proper handling of contacts can reduce this risk. For many people who wear contacts, these small concerns are well worth it. They don't have to depend on glasses to see clearly and can do more things more easily. In some cases, contacts also make them feel more confident and comfortable with their appearance.
Reach Out to an Optometrist on Our Team
If you're in the Yakima, WA, area and want to find out more about contact lenses, our eye doctors will be happy to help you at Apple Valley Eye Center. Working with an optometrist makes it easy to find out all the details about whether contacts would be right for you, and the options you have to see clearly without glasses. Call us at (509) 966-8801 for more information.
